Eat well, spend less: the magic of a home-grown veg patch

There's something truly magical about biting into a juicy, ripe tomato or crunching on a fresh cucumber that you've grown yourself.

That's the beauty of having your own veggie patch in your backyard. And trust us, it's easier to start than you might think.

Seriously – store-bought produce can't compete with the flavour and crispness of freshly picked fruits and veggies that you planted with your own hands! Not to mention you can say goodbye to premium price tags – your garden is now your grocery store.

Plus, you’ll also be lowering your carbon footprint. No more food that’s travelled thousands of kilometres to reach you – your food’s journey is from your garden to your plate.

Here’s how to get started:

Easiest Veggies to Grow

If you're a gardening newbie, it's a good idea to start simple. Here are some of the most beginner-friendly veggies:

Herbs: Basil, mint, and rosemary are virtually foolproof. You can grow them in pots!

Lettuce: You'll see growth in just a few weeks! Plus, it's a cut-and-come-again crop, meaning you can harvest leaves as needed without uprooting the entire plant.

Tomatoes: Nothing beats the taste of a homegrown tomato. Go for cherry tomatoes if you're looking for the easiest variety.

As you gain confidence and skills, you can try your hand at more challenging veggies like zucchini, cucumbers, or even pumpkins.

Finding the Right Spot for a Veggie Patch

Location, location, location—it's just as true for your garden as it is for real estate. Here's what to look for:

Sunlight: Most veggies love the sun. Aim for a spot that gets at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.

Soil Quality: Test your soil to check if it needs any fertiliser. A neutral pH is usually good for most plants.

Drainage: Make sure the spot you choose has enough drainage points – poor drainage can lead to root rot and other pesky problems.

Fruit Trees, Anyone?

Imagine craving an apple and being able to wander into your backyard and pick one off your own apple tree. The absolute dream or what!?

When picking a fruit tree, just remember different trees have different climate needs. Apple trees do well in cooler climates, while lemon trees love the sun.

Also, you’ll have to be patient. Unlike veggies, trees will take a few years to start producing. But once they do, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them!

Nakie Hot Tip: If you rent, make sure you keep your trees in a pot so you can transport them when you move!

No Yard? No Worries!

Growing your own food isn't just for people with big backyards. Even if all you've got is a balcony or a windowsill, you can still have a go at growing your own produce.

Use pots or hanging planters to save space. There are loads of plants like herbs, cherry tomatoes, and even some types of berries (blueberries! cherries!) that don't need much room to grow. Don't let #smallspaceliving stop you from living your farming dreams – you can still get in on the home-growing action.

And, before you know it, you'll be enjoying meals that are as local and fresh as you can get; not to mention the absolute joy of watching your plants grow from tiny seeds to full-fledged food sources.

Leafing you with love,

Nakie HQ